(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Democratic candidate for DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy strongly supports the so-called SAFE-T Act because of its provisions to end cash bail in Illinois. The state lawmaker noted judges will be able to hold violent suspects without bail.
“A woman who is trying to raise her family, who was forced to steal diapers for her child, should not have to stay in jail because she can’t afford the money to get out, when somebody accused of attempted murder has the financial resources to get back out on the street,” Conroy said.
“That’s just not the way we should be doing things,” she said.
Republican candidate and county board member Greg Hart points out 100 of Illinois’ 102 State’s Attorneys oppose the legislation. He says he's all for reforming the justice system to make it more fair, and supports universal body cameras for example.
That said, Hart believes there are real concerns about whether judges will be able to keep dangerous people behind bars.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he expects adjustments to be made to the law.
Related
When it comes to the matter of abortion, the two top candidates for DuPage County Board Chairman differ mostly about the impact of the issue in this race.
Greg Hart, the Republican candidate for DuPage County Board, said there’s very little the board can do involving abortions, and he downplayed the issue. Democratic rival and state Rep. Deb Conroy, though, said the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade has driven many people to the polls.
“[Roe v. Wade] being overturned by the federal Supreme Court has really triggered people in DuPage County because in Illinois, we are a bastion for being able to trust women to make their own health care decisions,” Conroy said.
Still, she agreed the county doesn’t directly drive policy on abortion.
Hart, a current board member, refused to let himself be lumped together with the more conservative members of his party on this issue. He said as the father of a daughter, he has concerns about rolling back any rights, and added that he would not stand in the way of women's health care.
“There is nothing I will do as county board chairman to restrict a woman’s right to choose, and I’ll always support women’s health initiatives,” Hart said.
Hart and Conroy are vying for an open seat. Current Board Chairman Dan Cronin’s not running for reelection.
The candidates for DuPage County Board Chairmanship are the main focus on WBBM’s “At Issue” program Sunday night. Hear more at 9:30 p.m.
Related
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!